Complications of Obesity (And What You Can Do About It)

Over 40% of adults in the United States struggle with obesity. Unfortunately, shedding excess weight isn’t easy, as many factors contribute to weight gain, and dieting alone is often insufficient to keep most people motivated in the long term.

However, obesity is not without consequences. Excess weight raises the risk for many conditions that can reduce lifespan and impair quality of life. Our experts at Carolina Digestive Health Associates explain the complications of obesity and offer a potential solution: a non-invasive procedure that can significantly reduce weight without the need for surgery or weight loss injections.

GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. Over time, this can irritate the esophageal lining, leading to heartburn, bad breath, damaged teeth, and even an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

Excess weight—especially around the abdomen—raises the risk for GERD and its complications, as it puts pressure on the stomach and forces acid upward.

Heart disease

Obesity affects heart health in multiple ways. As body weight increases, the heart must work harder to pump blood to a larger volume of tissue. This effort is further complicated by fat deposits in the arteries and systemic inflammation, both of which strain the cardiovascular system and elevate the risk of heart disease.

Type 2 diabetes

Roughly 90% of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are also obese. The connection is strong: excess body weight often leads to reduced insulin sensitivity. As insulin becomes less effective at managing blood sugar, the pancreas compensates by producing more—eventually exhausting its capacity and contributing to chronic blood sugar dysregulation.

Early disability

Excess weight places considerable pressure on joints, especially the knees, hips, and lower back. Obesity not only limits mobility but also strains the heart, making everyday activities such as walking or climbing stairs significantly more challenging.

Over time, as stamina decreases and joint damage progresses, chronic pain may develop. This creates a cycle of inactivity and discomfort, making it even harder to stay active and engage in daily life.

Getting treatment for obesity

To help patients reach their health goals, our team offers ORBERA®—a non-invasive, FDA-approved weight loss program. This procedure involves the temporary placement of a soft silicone balloon in the stomach, helping individuals feel full faster and consume less food.

The balloon is introduced endoscopically and inflated once it reaches the stomach. It remains in place for six months, during which time patients receive comprehensive nutritional support to help establish sustainable, healthy eating habits.

If you or a loved one is struggling with obesity, know that effective, non-invasive solutions are available—without the risks of surgery or the side effects of weight loss medications.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation in one of our offices located in Belmont or Charlotte, North Carolina, and find out if you’re a candidate for our weight loss program.